Annabel Monaghan has built a loyal readership with heartfelt, witty romances like Nora Goes Off Script and Same Time Next Summer. With It’s a Love Story, she once again delivers a tale that blends humor, nostalgia, and second chances. This novel takes the familiar tropes of enemies-to-lovers and slow-burn romance, then adds layers of showbiz satire and heartfelt self-discovery.
The Premise
Jane Jackson has always lived in the shadow of her awkward teenage years as “Poor Janey Jakes,” the sitcom punchline with barbecue sauce stuck in her braces. Now an executive at Clearwater Studios, she hides behind her “fake it till you make it” mantra, desperate to prove herself in Hollywood. When her job is on the line, she blurts out a lie: that Jack Quinlan, now a world-famous pop star (and the boy behind her most humiliating memory), has agreed to write a song for her film.
The problem is she hasn’t spoken to Jack in twenty years. To clean up the mess, she teams up with Dan Finnegan, an arrogant yet strangely endearing cinematographer who has connections to Jack. What follows is a week in Long Island filled with family chaos, old wounds, and a simmering chemistry Jane never expected.
What Works
Readers loved the atmosphere Monaghan creates. The Long Island setting feels alive with summer warmth, complete with backyard parties, beach scenes, and the vibrant energy of Dan’s big Irish family. This backdrop adds charm and depth to what could have been a standard romantic comedy setup.
The dynamic between Jane and Dan is another highlight. Their banter feels organic, equal parts snark and tenderness. Dan’s character in particular stands out he is grounded, compassionate, and refreshingly comfortable with who he is, which balances Jane’s desperate need to project perfection. His love of romance movies (yes, he cries at The Notebook) only makes him more endearing.
Many reviewers also pointed out that Jane’s arc is more than just about romance. It is about confronting the lies we tell ourselves, letting go of shame, and accepting the messy parts of our past. This gives the book a resonance that lingers long after the last page.
Where It Falters
Not all readers were swept away. Some felt the romance could have been stronger, especially given the title. While the chemistry is there, the buildup sometimes overshadows the payoff. Others noted that the final conflict feels a bit forced, as though it exists just to add drama before the resolution.
A few readers also struggled with Jane’s character. Her tendency to sabotage herself or ignore her problems can be frustrating, even if it makes her more realistic. Still, by the end, her growth feels earned.
Final Thoughts
It’s a Love Story is exactly what it promises: a funny, heartwarming romance wrapped in sharp observations about fame, family, and the lies we tell to survive. While it may not reach the emotional heights of Nora Goes Off Script, it is still a delightful summer read filled with warmth, humor, and second-chance magic.
If you are looking for a book that feels like a warm hug with a side of witty banter, Annabel Monaghan delivers once again.
👉 You can grab your copy of It’s a Love Story here: Buy on Amazon
